HOMEOWNER ISSUES
Thunder Bay has one of the highest home ownership in the country. I have been a homeowner myself since 1974. This pride in ownership is reflected in the beautiful homes we see throughout the city and in the number of awards won every year (most recent, "Four Blooms Award"). While there is much to celebrate about home ownership in Thunder Bay, a number of issues that have major implications for you as a homeowner, still remain unsolved. They are:
Taxation and home values - while residential taxes have remained relatively stable until a few years ago, they have gone up substantially in the last couple of years while home values have declined. With home values declining, the relative percentage of taxes paid on a home increases. Most people only realize this when they sell their homes (that is, they have been paying taxes on an inflated market value which was not realized at selling time).
User Fees - While residential taxes have increased, user fees on several areas have gone up even more. While the concept of user pay has merit in those areas where the benefit of usage accrues to a small number of users, in my opinion it is still another form of taxation (let's call a spade a spade).
Recent increases in both user fees and residential tax rates is pushing that rate into double digit numbers.
Home constructions and sales - the year 2006 appears to be one of improvement for housing starts ( estimated at slightly over 200, about 100 more than in the 2000. However, still too low when compared to a high of 800+ in 1987). At the same time the number of people selling their homes is 2 times the number of buyers. The net result is continued downward pressure on prices.
Underlying causes - the above issues of taxation, home values, user fees, home construction and sales, are directly linked to the lack of economic opportunities and clear vision for the future of our city and region and youth out-migration (see articles for more details).
Solutions - I have identified 4 key priorities. They are:
As Councillor, I will work with the Mayor and Council to put in place a comprehensive 10-point action plan (based on the above priorities) that will address the fundamental issues our community is facing. This plan has clear, realistic and measurable goals by which a Mayor and Council can be judged on (accountability in government). Maintaining and enhancing the value of your home, keeping residential taxes and user fees stable, is part and parcel of this program.